Talk program on “Regeneration of Kathmandu with Metro Rail Network”

November 24, 2016

24 November, 2016: Dr. Binod L. Amatya, a practicing consultant civil engineer working with CH2M/Halcrow in London, gave a presentation on the “Regeneration of Kathmandu with Metro Rail Network” to invited special dignitaries, AITM faculty, staff and students on 24th November, 2016 in Bigyan conference hall of AITM. Among the dignitaries present were Mr. Madhukar SJB Rana, former Minister, Mr. Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former VC of Tribhuvan University and former Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Surendra Shrestha, Vice-President, Administration and Development, AIT, Bangkok.

Prof. Dr. Sriram Bhagut Mathe, Chairperson of AITM, inaugurated the program by welcoming the guest speaker, Dr. Binod L. Amatya. In his presentation, Dr. Amatya outlined the present traffic and pollution problem in Kathmandu, and gave the drawbacks of the rail network, which has been proposed to the Government. He stressed that a Metro Rail Network, among the many available options, would be the best possible alternative in managing the increasingly congested traffic problem, which has made commuting inside Kathmandu extremely difficult, hazardous and time-consuming. This traffic problem has also exacerbated the pollution in Kathmandu Valley. Besides explaining the metro networks in various countries, he presented a brief outline of the costs pertaining to the project and its various benefits, including the opportunities of creating business hubs around the metro rail network.

Dr. Amatya, a geotechnical specialist with experience in design of roads, railways and tunneling projects, emphasized that the current soil conditions in Kathmandu are suitable for tunneling activities for metro rail construction. In addition, he also stressed the fact that a metro rail network stretching from the north to south and east to west would increase mobility and thereby improve the economic activities of the city.

Er. Kamal Raj Pande, an expert on transportation, was requested to comment on the presentation. He praised Dr. Amatya’s vision in making Kathmandu free of traffic congestions and pollution. He, however, stated that improved management, including proper intersections, and maintenance are key elements that can dramatically reduce the present traffic congestion in the short-run in Kathmandu.